Unity Partners Accelerates Growth with Majority Investment in Poolie

DALLAS, [DATE] - Unity Partners, a principles-based middle market investment firm, has completed a majority investment in Poolie, an Austin-based pool services business. The terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Poolie, founded in 2021 by CEO Leslie Elliott, has quickly established itself as a leading provider of pool cleaning, repair, and renovation services in the Austin area, serving over 1,200 customers. With the aim of becoming a high-performing market leader, Poolie has seen impressive growth under Elliott's leadership.

According to Elliott, the decision to partner with Unity Partners was driven by the company's need for capital and expertise to further accelerate its trajectory. Unity Partners' principles-based approach and commitment to employee ownership were key factors in the decision.

Unity Partners believes in building employee ownership into its platform investments, and Poolie will be introducing a Purpose Plan, allowing employees to share in the firm's financial success and capital events. This move not only enhances employee engagement but also aligns with Unity Partners' vision of creating opportunities for its workforce.

John Block, CEO and Co-Founder of Unity Partners, commended Poolie's growth and expressed excitement about the partnership. He emphasized the fragmented nature of the pool services industry, highlighting the potential for strategic mergers and acquisitions to drive expansion in Austin and other metropolitan areas.

The pool services market in the U.S. is estimated to be worth $9 billion, with Texas accounting for over $1 billion of that. The industry is experiencing a 3-4% compounded annual growth rate, presenting ample opportunities for Poolie's expansion.

Jim Sharpe, Partner and Head of Propel at Unity Partners, outlined the growth plans for Poolie. Alongside expanding into new geographies and making strategic acquisitions, Unity Partners intends to invest in team development, enhance marketing capabilities, leverage technology to improve the customer experience, and optimize Poolie's supply chain.

The completion of the investment in Poolie marks Unity Partners' second platform investment in 2023, following its investment in NDH, a tax, accounting, and advisory services firm.

About Unity Partners:

Unity Partners is a principles-based private equity firm that focuses on building better businesses by partnering investors and operators. The firm aims to create economic surplus and share it with all stakeholders. Unity Partners deploys its Partner & Propel strategy to accelerate growth, unlock platform scale through mergers and acquisitions, and drive value acceleration through investments in people, processes, and operational levers. To learn more, visit unitypartnerslp.com.

About Poolie:

Poolie is an Austin-based pool maintenance company that has been serving residential and commercial customers since 2021. The company offers a range of services, including pool cleaning, repair, and complete remodels and renovations. Visit poolie.com for more information.

In conclusion, Unity Partners' majority investment in Poolie marks an exciting milestone for both companies. Poolie's rapid growth and dedication to providing exceptional pool services, combined with Unity Partners' capital and expertise, are expected to propel the business to new heights. With a focus on employee ownership and strategic expansion, Poolie is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the growing pool services market in Texas and beyond.